United Arab Emirates Holidays, Flights & Travel Guide
The complete United Arab Emirates travel guide - United Arab Emirates
holidays & United Arab Emirates flights.
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United Arab Emirates Holidays
and Travel Overview
The United Arab Emirates on the
southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula is a bit of an anathema
in the Middle East. This union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms was
formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971, and today
it is a modern, trend-setting conglomeration of high-rise cities
with state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure, magnificent beaches
and a paradise of duty free shopping. Unlike other Arab states the
UAE actually courts and encourages tourists, constantly adding and
upgrading events and attractions to complement its renown as the
shopping capital of the world. The sun always
shines on the UAE and its gleaming cities, the most popular of
which is cosmopolitan, wealthy Dubai, which is characterised by a
ten-mile long (16km) deep creek that forms a natural harbour. In
Dubai resides the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, which makes the city a
must for shop-a-holics. A major attraction is the annual Dubai
Shopping Festival. Abu Dhabi is the capital of
the UAE and one of the most modern cities in the world. Visitors
revel in large gardens and parks, green boulevards, sophisticated
high-rise buildings, modern communication services and transport,
international luxury hotels, rich shopping malls and cultural
centres. The city's airport ranks as one of the finest in the
world. Just in case travellers forget they are
actually in Arabia, the UAE also offers a host of experiences and
attractions that utilise its historic Bedouin heritage, including
camel treks, henna tattoos, desert stargazing, 4x4 trips through
sand dunes and cruises aboard a dhow. Hundreds of tour companies
offer a variety of excursions and adventure packages to suit all
tastes and persuasions.
Tourist Offices - United Arab Emirates Tourist Office: +971
4 224 5252 (Dubai) or www.emirates.org
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Entry Requirements
for United Arab Emirates Holidays & United Arab Emirates Travel
All visitors to the United Arab Emirates
must hold a passport that is valid for three months from the date
of entry. All passport photographs are to be recent colour
photographs. Visitors must hold documents and tickets needed for
their next destination.
- For Australians -
Australian nationals may stay in the UAE for up to 60
days with a visit visa, which can be obtained on arrival. An
extension of a further 30 days is possible.
- New Zealand nationals require a visa that is valid for
a stay of up to 30 days. This may be obtained at the point of
entry.
- United States citizens may enter the United Arab
Emirates for 60 days without a visa (an entry permit will be
stamped in their passport upon arrival). An extension of another 30
days is possible.
- United States citizens may enter the United Arab
Emirates for 60 days without a visa (an entry permit will be
stamped in their passport upon arrival). An extension of another 30
days is possible.
- Citizens of the UK (with right of abode in the UK)
will be granted a visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Visas are valid
for 60 days, with an extension of 30 days possible. British
passports not endorsed British Citizen must hold tickets and
documents for next destination and have a sponsor in the UAE to
cover their stay.
Currency of United Arab Emirates
The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the
Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. There are no currency
regulations in the UAE and all major currencies are readily
exchanged at banks and large hotels. The Dirham is fixed against
the US Dollar. The best exchange rates are found at private
moneychangers who operate throughout the territory, particularly in
the more popular souks (markets) and shopping centres. All major
credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques (best carried
in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling). ATMs are common throughout the
UAE. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to
1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and
8.30pm.
United Arab Emirates
Telephone Access Codes and Communications
The International code for the United Arab
Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City/area
codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Abu Dhabi and (0)4 for Dubai. Calls
made within each state are free of charge. The Etisalat mobile
phone network provides wide GSM900 coverage throughout the country
and Internet cafes are widely available.
United Arab Emirates
Duty Free Allowances & Restrictions
Visitors to the UAE do not need to pay customs
duty on 400 cigarettes, cigars to a maximum value of 3,000 dirhams
and 2kg tobacco; and perfume for personal use to the value of 3,000
dirhams. Alcohol allowances vary. Dubai: 24 cans of beer or 4
litres of any other alcohol; Abu Dhabi and Fujairah: 4 litres of
alcohol provided traveller is not Muslim; Sharjah: 2 litres of
alcohol and 1 case beer. Fruit and vegetables from cholera infected
areas are strictly prohibited.
United Arab Emirates
Holidays - Tipping Information
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of
the world. Where no service charge is included, 10% is adequate and
many hotels and restaurants add a service charge, so it is best to
check the bill.
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